Soweto is an incredible township and I have to say - head there and see it!! Not only is it one of the most famous townships in South Africa but it has a lot of history and more importantly things to see and do. Top 5s are difficult but I'm going to try! I've had to narrow it down but here goes...
1. Stay with a local Sowetan family:
This was a highlight of my Soweto experience, as I stayed with Rachel in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It gives you an insight into what life is about here in this famous township. Just sitting watching TV with her and her son was a happy night.
2. Check out Nelson Mandela's House:
You have to make the trip to 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is Nelson Mandela's former house and now runs as a fully functional museum. You can walk all around the house where Nelson once lived and get your fix of Apartheid history while you are at it. This is easy to walk to if you are staying in Soweto Backpackers, and the streets are generally safe to walk around. Entrance was 10 Rand for me at the time (as I blagged a student entry - but bought plenty of souvenirs in the Hector Pieterson Museum - which didn't make my top 5 but I also recommend it). I believe the entrance fee is now 20 Rand to get in - well worth it and remember you are also contributing for the up keep of this amazing community.
3. Drink with the locals in a Shebeen:
You haven't really sampled South African township culture until you've been to a Shebeen! I'm serious! These are an absolutely quality experience - you meet, talk and enjoy the locals who sit and relax to their heart's content in Shebeens. You will try the Joburg Beer in Soweto which is pink in colour, low in alcohol percentage and shared by drinking out of a large tub. You'll be made welcome and you will love talking to the locals. Do it!
4. Do A Bicycle Tour:
Another amazing thing to do in Soweto is a local bicycle tour - this means you get to parts of Soweto not easily reached on foot or by car. You will visit different parts of the mammoth township on the same day and have a chance to meet locals and chat away and see their daily lives. The Soweto Backpackers do a good bicycle tour which has featured in a lot of travel books and websites. You will also get a local tour guide who can explain everything to you at points during your cycle through this cultured township.
5. The Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is useful and insightful to understand the history of Soweto and particularly the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This museum sits on well maintained streets with tributes in the place where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a good place to get to grips with the local story. This is definitely in my top 5 things to do while staying in Soweto!
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
1. Stay with a local Sowetan family:
This was a highlight of my Soweto experience, as I stayed with Rachel in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It gives you an insight into what life is about here in this famous township. Just sitting watching TV with her and her son was a happy night.
2. Check out Nelson Mandela's House:
You have to make the trip to 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is Nelson Mandela's former house and now runs as a fully functional museum. You can walk all around the house where Nelson once lived and get your fix of Apartheid history while you are at it. This is easy to walk to if you are staying in Soweto Backpackers, and the streets are generally safe to walk around. Entrance was 10 Rand for me at the time (as I blagged a student entry - but bought plenty of souvenirs in the Hector Pieterson Museum - which didn't make my top 5 but I also recommend it). I believe the entrance fee is now 20 Rand to get in - well worth it and remember you are also contributing for the up keep of this amazing community.
3. Drink with the locals in a Shebeen:
You haven't really sampled South African township culture until you've been to a Shebeen! I'm serious! These are an absolutely quality experience - you meet, talk and enjoy the locals who sit and relax to their heart's content in Shebeens. You will try the Joburg Beer in Soweto which is pink in colour, low in alcohol percentage and shared by drinking out of a large tub. You'll be made welcome and you will love talking to the locals. Do it!
4. Do A Bicycle Tour:
Another amazing thing to do in Soweto is a local bicycle tour - this means you get to parts of Soweto not easily reached on foot or by car. You will visit different parts of the mammoth township on the same day and have a chance to meet locals and chat away and see their daily lives. The Soweto Backpackers do a good bicycle tour which has featured in a lot of travel books and websites. You will also get a local tour guide who can explain everything to you at points during your cycle through this cultured township.
5. The Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is useful and insightful to understand the history of Soweto and particularly the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This museum sits on well maintained streets with tributes in the place where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a good place to get to grips with the local story. This is definitely in my top 5 things to do while staying in Soweto!
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
About the Author:
To read more articles such as Top 5 Things To Do In Soweto then visit Jonny Blair's worldwide travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for endless travel experiences and advice.
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